East Columbia Neighborhood Association

Preparing for the Release of the Draft SEIS

The Interstate Bridge Replacement program is moving toward the release of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in early 2024. This comprehensive document is a federal requirement and will identify the impacts of the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative in comparison to a No Build alternative. Perhaps the most important part of this process is the 60-day public comment period that will follow the publishing of the Draft SEIS. That’s when you — our community — will have the opportunity to provide feedback and weigh in on the program’s direction based on the findings of the Draft SEIS.    The program will continue adding opportunities to learn more about what is being studied and what to expect in the Draft SEIS through the coming months. Additional information on the multiple ways to provide feedback during the public comment period will be shared and available on the website as the publication date approaches.   Ahead of the public comment period, you can continue to reach out to the program by: Signing up for an Office Hours appointment, in person or virtually, to speak with the team and get your questions answered. Visit interstatebridge.org/calendar to schedule an appointment or emailing info@interstatebridge.org Calling the IBR office to leave a verbal comment:  (360) 859-0494 (Washington) (503) 897-9218 (Oregon) (888) 503-6735 (toll free)  Sign-up for our monthly newsletter: interstatebridge.org/news Attend a program meeting or community engagement event: interstatebridge.org/calendar Comments? Questions? Email info@interstatebridge.org Follow us on social media: @IBRprogram Thank you for helping shape a solution that meets the needs of all travelers and will connect our region for generations to come.

What’s Been Happening

Geotechnical Drilling Begins Under the Columbia River

In construction, a solid foundation is important for the overall strength and longevity of a new structure. That is especially true for the Interstate Bridge Replacement program, where the goal is to build a corridor that will connect communities for generations to come. To help ensure we are able to construct a solid bridge foundation, engineers will assess geological conditions beneath the Columbia River and North Portland Harbor to inform requirements for bridge construction.   Starting in November, drilling will take place beneath the surface of the river bottom to collect samples to assess the state of the riverbed — such as soil composition, density and the presence of boulders.  The extracted materials will help determine what needs to be accounted for during design and construction to ensure bridge foundations can stand up to the soil types under the river. The work is not anticipated to cause disruption to residents or river users in the area.   Drilling will occur parallel to the current bridge about 100 feet to the west and will use rigs on a floating barge.  Measures are in place to minimize the risk of impact to water quality and the local ecosystem including measures to ensure no fuels or drilling fluids enter the waterway.   Questions and comments regarding this work can be directed to info@interstatebridge.org.

Learn More

Advisory Group Members Get Up-Close Look at IBR Program Area

It’s one thing to look at a megaproject on a map. It’s another altogether to view in person the space where it will be built, says Pat Daniels. As executive director of Constructing Hope, Daniels is a member of our Equity Advisory Group and Community Benefits Advisory Group. She was among 16 other individuals serving on advisory groups who toured the program area on both sides of the Columbia River last month.   “To actually walk out and see it, it brought in the reality of how big this is going to be,” Daniels said The tour started (and ended) in downtown Vancouver, with stops at the Expo Center light rail station and on Hayden Island.   Along the way, Program Administrator Greg Johnson, Delivery Manager Casey Liles and Design Manager Shilpa Mallem presented the latest program updates. It was the latest in a series of similar program area tours our program has hosted, which aim to provide participants with an up close and personal view of the five-mile-long program area. Elected officials, community leaders and members of the media have also taken part in tours of varying locations.   “I think it pulled everything together in a way that you can’t do without being there in person,” says Community Advisory Group co-chair Lynn Valenter.   Michael Strahs, a member of the Community Benefits Advisory Group and vice president of development for Kimco Realty, which owns Jantzen Beach Center, agreed. Mini Grants to Community-Based Organizations The IBR program recently awarded a second round of small-scale, low-barrier grants to community-based organizations serving equity priority communities. This collaboration will help the program reach more individuals to inform them about the investments being studied in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and upcoming opportunities to give feedback. Participating organizations will work alongside the program to conduct outreach through their networks to help prepare equity priority communities for the release of the Draft SEIS in early 2024.   To be eligible, CBOs had to show they serve at least one equity priority community; have an office located in Clark or Multnomah counties; actively use multiple modes of engagement with their members; and have been established as or sponsored by a nonprofit organization for at least a year. Out of 45 applications, eight were chosen — four each from Oregon and Washington — that collectively serve all of the equity priority community groups identified by the program. Grants will be provided on a tiered scale so that CBOs can easily incorporate the grant requirements into their ongoing efforts and align with their capacity. They include:  Oregon Cada Casa International Education Services Mission: To facilitate equitable, impassioned learning and cultural enrichment through interest exploration, skill building, creative expression and community development opportunities for everyone. Equity priority communities served: BIPOC, communities with limited English proficiency, lower income and houseless individuals and families, immigrants and refugees, young people and older adults. Independent Living Resources Mission: To promote the philosophy of independent living by creating opportunities, encouraging choices, advancing equal access, and furthering the level of independence for all people with disabilities. Equity priority communities served: People with disabilities, lower income and houseless individuals and families, young people and older adults. Slavic Community Center of NW Mission: To help members of this community become fully functional, well-integrated part of the society in every aspect of their life in this country: education, employment, health and wellness, social services, business development, career growth, legal assistance, etc., while preserving their cultural heritage. Equity priority communities served: Communities with limited English proficiency, immigrants and refugees, young people and older adults. Soul District Business Association Mission: To promote and sustain the economic and business development of inner urban North/Northeast Portland since 1977. SDBA is a voice, advocate, facilitator, and catalyst for approximately 5,000 businesses and 64,000 residents within its district boundaries. Equity priority communities served: BIPOC, immigrants and refugees. Washington NAMI Southwest Washington Mission: To help all people affected by mental illness through education, support, awareness, and advocacy. Equity priority communities served: BIPOC, people with disabilities, lower incomes and houseless individuals and families, young people and older adults. Odyssey World International Education Services Mission: To advocate for social justice collaboratively and compassionately while serving marginalized people that are impacted by poverty and discrimination. Equity priority communities served: BIPOC, people with disabilities, communities with limited English proficiency, lower income and houseless individuals and families, immigrants and refugees, young people and older adults. Partners in Careers Mission: To assist individuals to become economically self-sufficient by providing resources, training, and job placement opportunities. Equity priority communities served: Lower income and houseless individuals and families, immigrants and refugees, young people and older adults. Sakura 39ers Youth Association Mission: To break language, educational, and cultural barriers for our Chuukese Community that will help community members and their future generations thrive in the City of Vancouver, Washington. Equity priority communities served: BIPOC, communities with limited English proficiency, immigrants and refugees, young people and older adults. Recent Meeting Summaries Community Advisory Group (CAG) — Oct. 12 The CAG received program updates regarding tours and presentations that continue to occur in the community. The CAG received an update on the newly formed Community Benefits Advisory Group (CBAG), including an overview of the group charter, scope, and membership. Discussion included how CAG members would like to engage with CBAG and how IBR can best engage the community around the CBAG’s work for meaningful impact. Following this discussion, the topic of tolling on IBR was addressed, including an overview of how tolling decisions are made in Washington and Oregon. An update on recent community engagement activities was also provided, including a recap of summer 2023, 50% of which were with equity priority communities. The team’s updates included a summary of the second round of Community-Based Organization (CBO) mini grants.   Equity Advisory Group (EAG) — Oct. 16 The EAG began their meeting with program updates, including a recap of recent program tours. EAG members shared their tour experiences, such as impressions of the program area and investments, which several members identified were easier to understand viewing them in person. An update on recent community engagement activities included information on the recently awarded CBO mini grants. The EAG then received an overview of CBAG, reviewing how community benefits are defined by the program, as well as the purpose and scope of the CBAG. In addition, an equity framework accountability report was presented, asking the EAG for feedback: did the report meet expectations and what recommendations do they have for improvement? To close, EAG members shared takeaways from the meeting.   Executive Steering Group (ESG) — Oct. 18 The ESG received several program updates, including a recap of the 2023 legislative actions that committed the remaining non-federal matching funds needed for the program; a review of recent program tours and conferences at which the IBR program has presented; and an updated program schedule. An update on federal grants was also presented, including the recent Mega Grant application submitted and upcoming federal grants. The group also received a summary of community engagement activities for the year so far. The ESG then received an overview of the CBAG and how community benefits are defined by the program, offering examples of issues the CBAG will address to make the IBR program fit within the context of the community. Updates were followed by public comment, and the meeting closed with next steps, focusing on upcoming program work and construction delivery.   Community Benefits Advisory Group (CBAG) — Oct. 26 The CBAG began their meeting with introductions. After receiving program updates, the group gave their feedback and approved the CBAG charter. IBR staff presented examples of community benefits, which was followed by questions from CBAG members and small groups discussion reflecting on the elements shared and if they were meaningful for the communities represented by the advisory group. Members reconvened and shared a report of their discussions with the larger group. Bi-state Legislative Committee – Nov 3 The IBR program provided updates to members of the Oregon and Washington legislatures that make up the Bi-state Legislative Committee for feedback and discussion. Updates included an overview of recent activity, anticipated funding sources including federal grant updates, an overview of program investments being studied as part of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process, and an overview of upcoming program work and milestones.  Meeting video and materials can be found here.  Myth vs. Fact Myth: A new bridge that meets height requirtments for river users would be overly steep and contain sharp turns. Fact: The program will ensure that any design accounts for the safety of all modes of travel and will meet or exceed all local, federal, and state safety and design standards. A 116-foot fixed span height was proposed because this was the option selected for the previous project that best balanced the needs of air, land and water travel while minimizing environmental impacts. While the previous planning effort identified a grade of just under 4%, the replacement bridge has not been designed and a final road grade has not been identified.  It is not unusual to have highway grades at 4% or steeper. In both Oregon and Washington there are stretches of interstate highway that feature grades steeper than 5%. The program will consider all users when making decisions, including those who walk, bike and roll using various modes of active transportation. On the Horizon Upcoming Advisory Group Meetings & Events Equity Advisory Group Monday, Nov. 20 — 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM IBR Public Briefing  Thursday, Dec. 7— 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Community Benefits Advisory Group Thursday, Dec. 14 — 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Community Advisory Group Thursday, Dec. 14 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Meetings & Events Calendar IBR Office Hours Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, equity, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise opportunities, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! Join us for IBR office hours, in person or virtually, and get your questions answered! NOTE: No new technical data will be available until the release of the environmental documentation. Please make a 30-minute reservation at least 24 hours in advance. There are three ways you can make a reservation: Visit: SignUpGenius Email: info@interstatebridge.org Call: 888-503-6735 Please provide your contact information and what you would like to talk about. We will confirm your appointment and provide meeting details upon confirmation. See you there!

Emails us at info@interstatebridge.org or call 360-859-0494 (Washington), 503-897-9218 (Oregon), 888-503-6735 (toll-free).  The IBR program is subject to Oregon and Washington public records laws. Therefore, public comments and questions (verbal or written) may be made available to anyone requesting them for non-commercial purposes. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights Title VI accommodations in Oregon For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information for those in Oregon, please call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735- 2900 or Oregon Relay Service 711. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI accommodations in Washington Accommodation requests for people with disabilities in Washington can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Title VI Coordinator by contacting (360) 705-7090. Copyright © 2023 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program11018 NE 51st CircleVancouver, WA98682-6686